Buyer's Guide

Our journey begins with an initial consultation. We’ll spend some time getting to know each other and determine whether we are a good fit. At this time I will go over the services that I provide and my fee structure. I’ll be interested to hear about the vision, goals, and ideal attributes that you have for your new home. Are you looking for a condo, townhome, or single-family home? What features do you like and dislike? What is your budget? What are your criteria and are there any deal breakers? 

This information will help me determine which communities we should explore. My goal is to make you feel confident and comfortable, knowing that I understand what you are looking for in a new home. You’ll find that I am approachable and will take the time to listen to - and act on - your concerns. We’ll work together, as a team, to  find the right  home for you.

Loan prequalification is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It ensures you know exactly how much you can afford and strengthens your position when making an offer. While it's exciting to think about your new home, it's important to talk to a mortgage professional to find out the amount you can qualify for, taking into account your credit history, job stability, and financial background. This step not only helps you set a realistic budget but also makes your offer more attractive to sellers. I have the resources to refer you to trusted mortgage professionals who can help you get prequalified and set you on the right path.

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will coordinate showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. We will discuss what you like and don’t like, and I will pay close attention to details. With my background in construction, and my extensive knowledge of the homes and neighborhoods in the Greater Boston area, I bring a unique edge to the real estate market, allowing me to evaluate homes effectively. While you’re looking at the layout, I’ll be assessing the structure, windows, mechanicals, and more to ensure the home meets your needs.

Seeing properties in person and attending open houses is valuable because it allows you to get to know different neighborhoods and their proximity to necessities like schools and grocery stores. My personable approach and unique knowledge in evaluating the location and condition of a house will be invaluable. I will help you understand potential shortcomings and point out less-than-obvious issues with the homes we visit, assisting you in making an informed decision. My goal during this step is to broaden your geographic scope and provide honest, insightful guidance to help you find the right home for your family.

In most cases, our offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or significant repairs needed. We will arrange this together, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, we will move on to the next step in the process If there are significant concerns, we will renegotiate the offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw the offer.

Once you've accepted an offer, we'll collaborate with a real estate attorney to draft the purchase and sales agreement (P&S). Following the P&S, we'll outline the necessary steps leading up to closing. Your lender will conduct an appraisal to ensure the purchase price aligns with similar recently sold homes and request any additional paperwork for underwriting, which may involve further financial scrutiny.

During this period, maintain your current financial status—avoid new credit, job changes, or missed payments—as these could impact your mortgage approval.

The seller will address any required repairs from the inspection. I'll guide you through each step, coordinating with attorneys and managing all milestones to facilitate a smooth transaction.

Three business days before closing, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure detailing all transaction costs. Compare this carefully with your initial Loan Estimate to avoid any surprises.

Ensure you secure homeowners insurance that covers the full replacement cost of the home, effective from the closing date.